Apparatus and method for installing and removing panels

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for installing and removing glass panels and methods of using the apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a base portion, a back support structure secured to the base portion, and a glass adjustment system moveably coupled to the back support structure. Methods for using the apparatus to install and remove glass panels from, for example, ice rink boards, are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/285,940 filed Feb. 26, 2019, which issues as U.S. Pat. No. 11,135,506on Oct. 5, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/955,868 filed Dec. 1, 2015, and which issued as U.S. Pat. No.10,226,684 on Mar. 12, 2019, which are incorporated herein by referencein their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for installingand/or removing glass panels. More specifically, but not exclusively,the present invention concerns an apparatus for installing and/orremoving glass panels in an ice rink.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When ice rink glass breaks it needs to be replaced before play cancontinue. The traditional methods for replacing the glass includemultiple people working together on ladders to remove the old glass outof the U-shaped channel and insert a new piece of glass into theU-shaped channel. Alternatively, when available, a fork lift may be usedwith an attachment to couple to the glass and remove the broken piece ofglass, then the fork lift may be coupled to the new piece of glass whichmay then be installed. Thus, a better method of removing andreinstalling ice rink glass is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention provide an apparatus for installingand/or removing glass panels and methods of using the same.

In one aspect, provided herein is an apparatus, including a baseportion, a back support structure secured to the base portion, and aglass adjustment system moveably coupled to the back support structure.

In another aspect, provided herein is method of installing a glasspanel, including obtaining an apparatus. The apparatus including a baseportion, a back support structure secured to the base portion, and aglass adjustment system moveably coupled to the back support structure.The method may also include positioning the apparatus adjacent to theglass panel for installation and coupling the glass adjustment system tothe glass panel. The method may further include raising the glass panelinto the air using the glass adjustment system and positioning theapparatus and attached glass panel for insertion into an ice rink board.Finally, the method may include inserting the glass panel into the icerink board and removing the glass adjustment system from the glasspanel.

In yet another aspect, provided herein is a method for removing a glasspanel, including obtaining an apparatus. The apparatus including a baseportion, a back support structure secured to the base portion, and aglass adjustment system moveably coupled to the back support structure.The method may also include positioning the apparatus adjacent to theglass panel for removal and coupling the glass adjustment system to theglass panel. The method may further include raising the glass panel outof an ice rink board using the glass adjustment system and moving theapparatus and attached glass panel away from the ice rink board.Finally, the method may include performing maintenance to at least oneof the glass panel and the ice rink board and reinserting the glasspanel into the ice rink board.

These, and other objects, features and advantages of this invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description of the variousaspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the detailed description herein, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. The drawings are only for purposes ofillustrating preferred embodiments and are not to be construed aslimiting the invention. It is emphasized that, in accordance with thestandard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn toscale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may bearbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion. Theforegoing and other objects, features and advantages of the inventionare apparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a panel installation apparatus, inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 , inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 , in accordance with anaspect of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 , in accordance with anaspect of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 , in accordance withan aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 , in accordance withan aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 , in accordance with anaspect of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a partially exploded side perspective view of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a partially exploded rear perspective view of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged rear perspective view of a portion of theapparatus of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged side perspective view of a portion of theapparatus of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged side perspective view of a portion of theapparatus of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a glassadjustment system of the apparatus of FIG. 1 , in accordance with anaspect of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of an a back support structure of theglass installation apparatus of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an aspect ofthe present invention;

FIG. 15 is a rear view of the back support structure of FIG. 14 , inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of a portion of the back supportstructure of FIG. 14 , in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of the portion of the back supportstructure of FIG. 16 , in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of the portion of the back supportstructure of FIG. 16 , in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of the glass adjustment system of theapparatus of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the glass adjustment system ofFIG. 19 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a back view of the glass adjustment system of FIG. 19 , inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a side view of the glass adjustment system of FIG. 19 , inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of a portion of a base of theapparatus of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 24 is a bottom perspective view of the portion of the base of FIG.23 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a top perspective view of the base of the apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a back perspective view of the base of FIG. 25 , inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a first side perspective view of a winch of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a second side perspective view of the winch of FIG. 27 , inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a pulley assembly of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Generally stated, disclosed herein is an apparatus for installing and/orremoving glass panels. Further, methods using the apparatus forinstalling and/or removing the glass panels are discussed.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used toindicate like or analogous components throughout the several views, andwith particular reference to FIGS. 1-13 , there is illustrated anexemplary embodiment of an apparatus 100 for installing and/or removingglass panels. The glass panels may be, for example, rink glass panels.Although the term “glass panels” is used throughout the specification itis also contemplated that the apparatus 100 may be used for removal ofpanels made of other materials which are heavy, breakable, and/or withinchannels that require lifting above the channels for removal. Theapparatus 100 may include a base portion 110, a back support structure150, and a glass adjustment system 210. The back support structure 150may be secured to the base portion 110 and the glass adjustment system210 may be moveably secured to the back support structure 150.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-11 and as best seen in FIGS. 23-26 ,the base portion 110 may include a frame 112 with a first support member114, a second support member 116, a third support member 118, and afourth support member 120. The support members 114, 116, 118, 120 may besecured together to form a relatively rectangular shape. As shown inFIGS. 23-25 , the fourth support member 120 may be, for example, securedto the second and third support members 116, 118 slightly inside of theends of the second and third support members 116, 118. The frame 112 mayalso include a first arm 122 and a second arm 124 coupled near oppositeends of the fourth support member 120. The first and second arms 122,124 may extend from the fourth support member 120 in toward the centerof the frame 112, for example, parallel to the second and third supportmembers 116, 118 and perpendicular to the fourth support member 120. Thebase portion 110 may also include a first plate 126 and a second plate128. The first plate 126 may be coupled to the top of the frame 112 andoverlap with a portion of the second and fourth support members 116,120. The second plate 128 may be coupled to the top of the frame 112 andoverlap with a portion of the third and fourth support members 118, 120.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 4-6, and 24 , the base portion 110 may furtherinclude a first wheel assembly 130 secured to a bottom surface of thefirst plate 126 and a second wheel assembly 132 secured to a bottomsurface of the second plate 128. The first and second wheel assemblies130, 132 may be, for example, swivel casters or another wheel thatrotates to allow for steering of the apparatus 100. The base portion 110may also include a first axle 134 secured to a first portion of thefirst support member 114 and a second axle 136 secured to a secondportion of the first support member 114. The first and second portionsof the first support member 114 being opposite ends of the first supportmember 114. The base portion 110 also includes a first rear wheel 138coupled to the first axle 134 and a second rear wheel 140 coupled to thesecond axle 136. The base portion 110 may also include a brake coupledto the first and second rear wheels 138, 140 to stop the apparatus 100.Alternatively, the brake may attach to, for example, the frame 112 orback support structure 150, and rotate or swing from a storage positionto a braking position wherein the brake contacts the floor under theapparatus 100 and the wheels 138, 140 to prevent the apparatus 100 frommoving.

The base portion 110 may also include a first bracket 142 secured to,for example, a top surface of the first support member 114 above thefirst axle 134 and a second bracket 144 secured to, for example, a topsurface of the first support member 114 above the second axle 136, asbest seen in FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 7, 10 and 11 . The first and second brackets142, 144 are shaped to couple to a counter weight 146, for example, thefirst and second brackets 142, 144 may each include a ledge forreceiving and coupling to a bottom surface of the counter weight 146.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-12 and 14-18 , the back support structure 150is shown. The back support structure 150 may include a back supportstructure base 152 which couples to the base 110. The back supportstructure base 152 may include a brace member 154 with, for example, afirst member and two perpendicular end plates coupled to each end of thefirst member. The brace member 154 may be secured to the first andsecond arms 122, 124, as shown in FIGS. 2, 6 and 10 . With the bracemember 154 secured to the first and second arms 122, 124 as shown, theback support structure base 152 is positioned within the frame 112 ofthe base portion 110. The back support structure base 152 may alsoinclude a first support arm 156 and a second support arm 158. Thesupport arms 156, 158 may be secured to the brace member 154, forexample, the perpendicular end plates of the brace member 154, at afirst end.

The back support structure 150 may further include a first leg 160 and asecond leg 162, as shown in FIGS. 1-12 and 14-18 . The first and secondlegs 160, 162 may be positioned, for example, perpendicular to the backsupport structure base 152. The first and second legs 160, 162 may be,for example, straight along their entire length or angled on at leastone end. As depicted in FIGS. 14-18 , the legs 160, 162 are angled neara bottom end. The a bottom end of the first leg 160 is secured to asecond end of the first support arm 156 and a bottom end of the secondleg 162 is secured to a second end of the second support arm 158. Thebrace member 154 may have, for example, a width greater than the widthbetween the first and second legs 160, 162. If the width of the bracemember 154 is greater than the width between the first and second legs160, 162, then the support arms 156, 158 may include, for example, astraight portion extending out from each of the first and second legs160, 162 and an angled portion connecting the straight portion of thesupport arms 156, 158 to the end plates of the brace member 154. The topends of the first and second legs 160, 162 may be coupled to oppositeends of a crossbar 164.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, 8-11, and 14-18 , the back support structure150 also includes a first angled support 166 and a second angled support168. The first angled support 166 is secured to the first support arm156 on one end and the first leg 160 on a second end. The second angledsupport 168 is secured to the second support arm 158 on one end and thesecond leg 162 on a second end. The angled supports 166, 168 may be, forexample, secured directly to the legs 160, 162 or alternatively may besecured to the legs 160, 162 using spacer members 170, 172. As shown inFIGS. 14-17 , a first spacer member 170 may be coupled to the leg 160 ona first side and the first angled support 166 on a second side. Also asshown in FIGS. 14-17 , a second spacer member 172 may be coupled to theleg 162 on a first side and the second angled support 168 on a secondside. The first and second sides of the spacer members 170, 172 may beopposite each other.

The back support structure 150 may also include a rear support member174, as shown in FIGS. 6, 8, 9, and 14-18 . A back side of the rearsupport member 174 may be secured to the first support member 114. Atleast a portion of each side of the rear support member 174 may besecured to the first and second legs 160, 162 near a front side of therear support member 174. In addition, the back support structure 150 mayinclude a first rod 176 and a second rod 178. The first rod 176 iscoupled to a top end of the first leg 160 at a first end and the rearsupport member 174 at a second end. The second rod 178 is coupled to atop end of the second leg 162 at a first end and the rear support member174 at a second end. The first rod 176 may also be secured to the firstleg 160 with a support plate 208 between the first end and the secondend of the first rod 176. A first end of the support plate 208 may besecured to the first leg 160 and a second end of the support plate 208may be secured to the first rod 176, as shown in FIGS. 2, 8-10, 14, and16-18 . The second rod 178 may also be secured to the second leg 162with a support plate 208 between the first end and the second end of thesecond rod 178. A first end of the support plate 208 may be secured tothe second leg 162 and a second end of the support plate 208 may besecured to the second rod 178, as shown in FIGS. 2, 8-10, 14, and 16-18.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 9-12, and 14-15 , the back support structure 150may also include a winch support member 180. The winch support member180 may be secured to the first leg 160 on one end and the second leg162 on a second end. The winch support member 180 may also include awinch mount 182 extending out perpendicular from the main plate of thewinch support member 180. The winch mount 182 is sized to couple to awinch 190, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 9-12, 14 and 15 . The winch 190, asbest seen in FIGS. 27-28 , may include a winch base 192. The winch base192 may include a back and two sides extending out perpendicularly fromthe back. In addition, the winch 190 includes a spool 194 for receivingthe cable (not shown) and a hand crank 196 for turning the spool 194 towind up or release the cable. The hand crank 196 may include a pin 197and a handle 198. The pin 197 may extend through the spool 194 to rotatethe spool 194 as the handle 198 is turned. The winch 190 may be, forexample, operated manually, automatically, or include both a manual andautomatic feature. The manual winch 190 may be operated by a userrotating the handle 198 to raise and lower the glass adjustment system210. An automatic winch 190 may include, for example, a power source andcontroller to rotate the handle 198 and/or spool 194 to raise and lowerthe glass adjustment system 210. In an embodiment including both amanual and automatic winch 190, the apparatus 100 will also include aswitch to change from a manual to an automatic winch 190 as desired.

In addition, the back support structure 150 may include an upper handle184, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, 7-12, and 14-18 . The upper handle 184 mayinclude a handle support member 186 coupled to the first leg 160 on afirst end and to the second leg 162 on a second end. The handle supportmember 186 may be, for example, curved to extend around the back of theback support structure 150. The upper handle 184 may also include a pushhandle 188 coupled to a center portion of the handle support member 186.The upper handle 184 may be used for moving the apparatus 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 8-12, 14-15, and 29 , a pulley assembly200 of the back support structure is shown. The pulley assembly 200includes a pulley base 202, a rotating member 204 positioned within thepulley base 202, and a pin 206 extending through the pulley base 202 andthe rotating member 204. The pulley base 202 may be, for example,generally U-shaped and the open end of the pulley base 202 may besecured to the crossbar 164. The pin 206 allows for the rotating member204 to rotate with respect to the pulley base 202 as a cable (not shown)moves over a channel in the rotating member 204. The cable (not shown)may be moved by rotating the handle 198 of the winch 190 in a clockwiseor counterclockwise direction.

The glass adjustment system 210 is shown in FIGS. 1-9, 12, 13, and 19-22. The glass adjustment system 210 may include a tray 212 with a back 214which may be positioned angled with respect to the tray 212. The back214 may be, for example, positioned relatively perpendicular to the tray212. The back 214 may include a first tab with a first top guide wheel224 coupled to a back side of the first tab and a second tab with asecond top guide wheel 226 coupled to a back side of the second tab. Thefirst tab may be on a first side of the back 214, for example, the rightside, and the second tab may be on a second side of the back 214, forexample, the left side. The system 210 may also include a first frontcoupling member 220 and a second front coupling member 222, as shown inFIGS. 1, 2, 5, 9-11, and 19-20 . The first front coupling member 220 mayinclude a first and second portion and be positioned on a top surface ofthe tray 212 on the first side. The second front coupling member 222 mayinclude a first and second portion and be positioned on the top surfaceof the tray 212 on the second side.

The system 210 may also include a first tray support arm 216 and asecond tray support arm 218, as depicted in FIGS. 6, 9, 20 and 21 . Thefirst tray support arm 216 may couple to and extend along a bottomsurface of the tray 212 and up at least a portion of the back 214 on afirst side of the tray 212. The portion of the first tray support arm216 extending along the back 214 may be positioned below the first topguide wheel 224. The second tray support arm 218 may couple to andextend along a bottom surface of the tray 212 and up at least a portionof the back 214 on a second side of the tray 212 opposite the first traysupport arm 216. The portion of the second tray support arm 218extending along the back 214 may be positioned below the second topguide wheel 226. The system 210 may also include a first wheel supportbar 232 coupled to the first tray support arm 216 and a second wheelsupport bar 234 coupled to the second tray support arm 218. The firstand second wheel support bars 232, 234 may be coupled to the portion ofthe first and second tray support arms 216, 218 that extend along theback 214. The first and second wheel support bars 232, 234 may alsoextend below the first and second tray support arms 216, 218. A firstbottom guide wheel 228 may be coupled to a front side of the first wheelsupport bar 232 and a second bottom guide wheel 230 may be coupled to afront side of the second wheel support bar 234.

As shown in FIG. 21 , the system 210 may also include a first frontguide wheel 236 and a second front guide wheel 238. The first frontguide wheel 236 may be rotatably coupled to the first tray support arm216 near the corner where the tray 212 meets the back 214. The secondfront guide wheel 238 may be rotatably coupled to the second traysupport arm 218 near the corner where the tray 212 meets the back 214.The first and second front guide wheels 236, 238 may each be positioned,for example, on the inside of the first and second tray support arms216, 218 and across from each other. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 9-11, 20,and 21 , the system 210 may also include a first back guide wheel 240and a second back guide wheel 242. The first back guide wheel 240 may berotatably coupled to a top of the portion of the first tray support arm216 that extends along the back 214. The second back guide wheel 242 maybe rotatably coupled to a top of the portion of the second tray supportarm 218 that extends along the back 214. The first and second back guidewheels 240, 242 may each be positioned, for example, on the inside ofthe first and second tray support arms 216, 218 and across from eachother.

The system 210 may also include a lower tray back support 244 coupled toat least one of the tray 212 and the back 214, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2,4, 5, 8-12, and 19-21 . The lower tray back support 244 may include afirst leg 246 secured to a first side of at least one of the tray 212and the back 214, a second leg 248 secured to a second side of the atleast one of the tray 212 and the back 214, and a lower cross member 250connecting a top of the first leg 246 to a top of the second leg 248.The system 210 may also include an upper tray back support 252 coupledto the lower cross member 250. The upper track back support 252 mayinclude a first upper leg 254, a second upper leg 256, and an uppercross member 258 connecting a top of the first upper leg 254 and a topof the second upper leg 256. The upper track back support 252 may alsoinclude an upper coupling member 260 secured to a side of the uppercross member 258.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, 8, 9, and 19-22 , a glass support member 262of the system 210 is shown. The glass support member 262 may include abase member 264, a vertical member 266, and a top support member 268.The vertical member 266 may be coupled on a first end to a centerportion of the base member 264 and on a second end to a center portionof the top support member 268. The base member 264, vertical member 266,and top support member 268 may form, for example, a generally I-shapedarrangement. The glass support member 262 may also include a firstpivoting member 270 secured to a bottom of the base member 264 on afirst side and a second pivoting member 272 secured to a bottom of thebase member 264 on a second side. The first and second pivoting members270, 272 may be sized to fix inside of the first and second frontcoupling members 220, 222, respectively. The first and second pivotingmembers 270, 272 may be, for example, hingedly coupled to the first andsecond front coupling members 220, 222. The hinged arrangement allowsfor the glass support member 262 to be angled with respect to the tray212. The support member 262 may be angled with respect to the tray 212at an angle between, for example, 0° and 90° and preferably betweenapproximately 0° and 30°.

The glass support member 262 also includes a coupling member 274 securedto the vertical member 266 near a top portion of the vertical member266.

The glass support member 262 may also include a first suction cupassembly 276 coupled to a first side of the top support member 268 and asecond suction cup assembly 278 coupled to a second side of the topsupport member 268. As best seen in FIGS. 12-13 , the first and secondsuction cup assemblies 276, 278 may each include a first brace 280 and asecond brace 282 spaced apart from the first brace 280. The first andsecond braces 280, 282 may each be coupled to the top support member 268at a first end. The first and second suction cup assemblies 276, 278 mayalso include a first arm 284 rotatably coupled to the first brace 280 ata second end and a second arm 286 rotatably coupled to the second brace282 at a second end. The first and second suction cup assemblies 276,278 may each include a securement member 290, for example, a suction cupmember or the like to secure the glass to the apparatus 100. Thesecurement member 290 may include a first coupling plate 292 and asecond coupling plate 294 secured to a back side of the securementmember 290. The first coupling plate 292 may be spaced apart from thesecond coupling plate 294. The first and second suction cup assemblies276, 278 may also include a pin 288 secured to the second coupling plate294 and extending through a portion of the first coupling plate 292. Theportion of the pin 288 extending out of the first coupling plate 292may, for example, engage the cavities in the first arms 284 of the firstand second suction cup assemblies 276, 278.

The glass support member 262 of the system 210 may also include a handleassembly 296, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 19-21 . The handle assembly 296may include a first handle brace 298, a second handle brace 300 spacedapart from the first handle brace 298, and a handle 302 engaging thefirst and second handle braces 298, 300. The first handle brace 298 maybe positioned over a first end of the top support member 268 and coupledto the first brace 280. The second handle brace 300 may be positionedover the top support member 268 near the first end and coupled to thesecond brace 282. The handle 302 may be used to position the glasssupport member 262 and the glass attached to thereto.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, 12-13, and 19-22 , the system 210may also include a glass holder slide assembly 310. The glass holderslide assembly 310 may be rotatably secured to the glass support member262 with the coupling member 274. The glass holder slide assembly 310may include a first tube 312 and a second tube 314. The first and secondtubes 312, 314 may telescopically engage each other to allow foradjustment during use. The first or inner tube 312 may include anopening (not shown) at the first end for being rotatably secured to thecoupling member 274 and a plurality of holes (not shown) near the secondend. The second or outer tube 314 may include a channel 316 extendingthrough the second tube 314 and along the length of the second tube 314.The channel 316 may be sized and shaped to receive a friction adjuster318, which extends through the channel 316 to assist with adjustment ofthe glass support member 262. The second tube 314 may also include a pinassembly 320 positioned on a side of the second tube 314 near a firstend. The pin assembly 320 may include a housing, a pin detent and a knobfor extending into the second tube 314 at, for example, a positionperpendicular to the channel 316, to engage and secure the first tube312 in the desired position. The second tube 314 may also include apivot member 322 coupled near the second end of the second tube 314. Thepivot member 322 may be hingedly or rotatably coupled to the uppercoupling member 260 of the lower tray back support 244 to allow forrotation when the glass holder slide assembly 310 is adjusted. The glassholder slide assembly 310 may also include a push bar (not shown)coupled to the first tube 312 to assist with raising and lowering theslide assembly 310 when titling the glass.

The glass adjustment system 210 may also include a bottom glass supportmember 324, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, 8, 9, 19, 20 and 22 . The bottomsupport member 324 may include a first arm 326, a second arm 328 spacedapart from the first arm 326, and a support member 330 coupled to thefirst and second arms 326, 328. The first arm 326 may be coupled to thebase member 264 at a first end and the support member 330 at a secondend. The second arm 328 may be coupled to the base member 264 at a firstend and the support member 330 at a second end. The support member 330may be positioned perpendicular to the first and second arms 326, 328and generally parallel to the base member 264. The bottom support member324 may also include at least one deformable cover 332 positioned overthe support member 330 to provide additional support and cushion for thepanel that is coupled to the adjustment system 210.

A method of using the apparatus 100 to install ice rink glass mayinclude, for example, obtaining and positioning the desired glass panelin an installation position. The apparatus 100 may then be positioned sothat the securement members 290 are facing the glass panel. Next, thesecurement members 290 may be coupled to the glass panel. Once coupledthe glass panel may be raised into the air using the winch mechanism 190to a height which will avoid contact with any floor obstacles that maycontact the glass and break the glass. Then, if necessary, the glasspanel may be tilted back using the glass holder slide assembly 310 untila desired angle is achieved. The angle of the glass panel may be, forexample, between 0° and 30° as needed to clear any low ceilings, pipes,heaters, or other obstacles between the glass storage area and thelocation for the glass installation. After the glass panel is positionedto avoid contacting any obstacles, the apparatus 100 may be moved to theinstallation site. When the apparatus 100 reaches the installation site,if the holder slide assembly 310 is titled at an angle, then the holderslide assembly 310 may be adjusted back to 0° for installation. Next,the glass panel may be raised using the winch 190 to the desiredposition for installation. For example, if replacing ice rink glass,then the winch 190 may be turned to raise the piece of glass above theice rink boards. Once the desired height of the glass panel is achieved,the apparatus 100 may be moved to position the glass panel into, forexample, a channel of the boards. Then, the glass panel may bepositioned in the channel by turning the winch 190 to lower the glasspanel into the channel. When the glass panel reaches its desiredposition, the glass panel may then be secured into the channel of theice rink boards. Finally, the securement members 290 may be releasedfrom the glass panel and any additional securement of the glass panel tothe channel may be completed.

Another method of using the apparatus 100 is to remove ice rink glassfor, for example, repairs, may include, for example, obtaining andpositioning the apparatus 100 in front of the piece of glass to beremoved. The repairs may include, for example, repairs to the rubbergasket on the glass, replacing the clips which secure the glass to theboards, replacing the securement pieces between the ice rink boards andglass, and the like. Once the apparatus 100 is positioned in front ofthe glass panel, the securement members 290 may be attached to the glasspanel. Next, the clips, screws, nuts, and the like which secure theglass panel in place may be removed. The winch 190 may then be turned toraise the height of the glass panel out of the ice rink board channels.When the glass panel clears the boards and channels, then the apparatus100 may be moved away from the boards and the repairs may be performed.If necessary, the winch 190 may be used to lower the glass panel to makeany necessary repairs to the glass panel, then the glass panel may beraised again by the winch 190 to the necessary installation position.After the repairs are complete, the apparatus 100 may be moved back toposition the glass panel above the channels and boards. Once in thecorrect position, the winch 190 may be turned to lower the glass panelback into the boards and channels. When the glass panel reaches thefinal position, the glass panel may again be secured to the boards.Finally, the securement members 290 may be released from the glass paneland any additional securement of the glass panel to the channel may becompleted.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise” (andany form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (andany form of have, such as “has”, and “having”), “include” (and any formof include, such as “includes” and “including”), and “contain” (and anyform of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-endedlinking verbs. As a result, a method or device that “comprises,” “has,”“includes,” or “contains” one or more steps or elements possesses thoseone or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing onlythose one or more steps or elements. Likewise, a step of a method or anelement of a device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains”one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is notlimited to possessing only those one or more features. Furthermore, adevice or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured inat least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are notlisted.

The invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiments. It will be understood that the architectural andoperational embodiments described herein are exemplary of a plurality ofpossible arrangements to provide the same general features,characteristics, and general system operation. Modifications andalterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of thepreceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention beconstrued as including all such modifications and alterations.

Having thus described the preferred embodiments, the invention is nowclaimed to be:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a base portion comprising: aframe, comprising: a first arm coupled to the frame near a first end ofthe frame; and a second arm coupled to the frame near the first end andspaced apart from the first arm; a first bracket coupled to a topsurface of a first support member above a first axle; a second bracketcoupled to the top surface of the first support member above a secondaxle; and a counter weight secured directly to the first bracket at afirst end and to the second bracket at a second end; a back supportstructure secured to the base portion, wherein the back supportstructure comprises: a base with a brace member secured to the first armof the frame at a first end and to the second arm of the frame at asecond end, wherein the base further comprises: a first support arm witha first end and a second end, the first end of the first support armcoupled to a first end of the brace member; and a second support armwith a first end and a second end, the first end of the second supportarm coupled to a second end of the brace member; and a glass adjustmentsystem moveably coupled to the back support structure.
 2. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the back support structure further comprises: afirst leg with a top end and a bottom end, the bottom end coupled to thesecond end of the first support arm; a second leg with a top end and abottom end, the bottom end coupled to the second end of the secondsupport arm; a crossbar secured to the top end of the first leg at afirst end and to the top end of the second leg at a second end; a firstangled support with a first end and a second end, the first end securedto the first support arm and the second end coupled to the first leg;and a second angled support with a first end and a second end, the firstend secured to the second support arm and the second end coupled to thesecond leg.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the glass adjustmentsystem comprises: a tray with a back portion; a first tray support armengaging a portion of the tray and the back portion near a first side,wherein the first tray support arm includes at least one guide wheelpositioned to engage a first leg of the back support structure; a secondtray support arm engaging a portion of the tray and the back portionnear a second side, wherein the second tray support arm includes atleast one guide wheel positioned to engage a second leg of the backsupport structure; a lower tray back support coupled to at least one ofthe tray and the back portion; an upper tray back support coupled to atop of the lower tray back support; a glass support member pivotallycoupled to the tray; a glass holder slide assembly coupled to a verticalmember of the glass support member at a first end and coupled to theupper tray back support near a second end; and a bottom glass supportmember coupled to a base member of the glass support member.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 3, wherein the glass support member comprises: a basemember; a top support member; the vertical member coupled to a centerportion of the base member at a first end and a center portion of thetop support member at a second end; a first suction cup assembly coupledto a first end of the top support member; a second suction cup assemblycoupled to a second end of the top support member; and a handle assemblycoupled to the first end of the top support member.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the at least one guide wheel of the first tray supportarm comprises: a first guide wheel positioned at a top end of the firsttray support arm; a second guide wheel positioned at a bottom end of thefirst tray support arm; and wherein the first guide wheel is verticallyoffset from the second guide wheel; and wherein the at least one guidewheel of the second tray support arm comprises: a first guide wheelpositioned at a top end of the second tray support arm; a second guidewheel positioned at a bottom end of the first tray support arm; andwherein the first guide wheel is vertically offset from the second guidewheel.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first suction cupassembly comprises: a first brace coupled to the top support member neara first end; a first arm rotatably coupled to the first brace; a secondbrace coupled to the top support member near the first end and spacedapart from the first brace; a second arm rotatably coupled to the secondbrace; and a first securement member with a first coupling plate, asecond coupling plate positioned spaced apart from the first couplingplate, and a pin secured to the first coupling plate on a first end andthe second coupling plate on a second end, the first coupling platesecured to the first arm and the second coupling plate secured to thesecond arm; wherein the second suction cup assembly comprises: a firstbrace coupled to the top support member near a second end; a first armrotatably coupled to the first brace; a second brace coupled to the topsupport member near the second end and spaced apart from the firstbrace; a second arm rotatably coupled to the second brace; and a secondsecurement member with a first coupling plate, a second coupling platepositioned spaced apart from the first coupling plate, and a pin securedto the first coupling plate on a first end and the second coupling plateon a second end, the first coupling plate secured to the first arm andthe second coupling plate secured to the second arm; and wherein thehandle assembly comprises: a first handle brace coupled to the topsupport member; a second handle brace coupled to the top support memberand spaced apart from the first handle brace; and a handle engaging thefirst handle brace and the second handle brace.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein the glass holder slide assembly comprises: a firsttube; and a second tube that telescopically engages the first tube. 8.The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first tube comprises: an openingat a first end for rotatably coupling with the vertical member of theglass support member; and a plurality of holes positioned along alongitudinal axis near a second end of the first tube.
 9. The apparatusof claim 8, wherein the second tube comprises: a channel extendingthrough the second tube and extending along a portion of a longitudinalaxis of the second tube; a pin assembly positioned near a first end ofthe second tube and extending into the second tube to engage at leastone hole of the plurality of holes in the first tube; and a pivot membercoupled near a second end of the second tube and coupled to the uppertray back support.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the glassholder slide assembly further comprises: a friction adjuster extendingthrough the channel of the second tube.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10,wherein the bottom glass support member comprises: a first arm coupledat a first end to the base member of the glass support member; a secondarm coupled at the first end to the base member of the glass supportmember; a support member coupled to a second end of the first arm and toa second end of the second arm; and at least one deformable coverpositioned around at least a portion of the support member.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein the back support structure furthercomprises: a rear support member with a front side and a back side,wherein a first portion of the front side is coupled to the first leg, asecond portion of the front side is coupled to the second leg, and theback side is secured to the first support member of the frame; a firstrod with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupledto the top end of the first leg and the second end is coupled to theback side of the rear support member; and a second rod with a first endand a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the top of thesecond leg and the second end is coupled to the back side of the rearsupport member.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the back supportstructure further comprises: a winch support member positioned betweenthe first leg and the second leg, wherein the winch support membercomprises: a main plate secured to the first leg and the second leg; awinch mount extending out relatively perpendicular to the main plate;and a winch coupled to the winch mount; an upper handle comprising: ahandle support member coupled to the first leg on a first end and thesecond leg on a second end; and a push handle secured to a centerportion of the handle support member; and a pulley assembly secured tothe crossbar, wherein the pulley assembly comprises: a pulley baseincluding a base, a first side coupled to a first end of the base, and asecond side coupled to a second end of the base; a pin extending acrossthe pulley base and through the first side and the second side; and arotating member rotatably coupled to the pin between the first side andthe second side of the pulley base.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13,wherein the winch comprises: a winch base including a back, a first sidesecured to one end of the base and a second side secured to a second endof the base; a spool rotatably coupled to the first side and second sideof the winch base; and a hand crank coupled to the spool for rotatingthe spool.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame of the baseportion comprises: the first support member; a second support member; athird support member; and a fourth support member, wherein the firstsupport member is secured at a first end to a first end of the secondsupport member and at a second end to a first end of the third supportmember and the fourth support member is secured at a first end to asecond end of the second support member and at a second end to a secondend of the third support member; wherein the first arm is coupled to thefourth support member near the first end of the fourth support member;wherein the second arm is coupled to the fourth support member near thesecond end of the fourth support member; wherein the first arm extendsfrom the fourth support member parallel to the second support member;and wherein the second arm extends from the fourth support memberparallel to the third support member.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15,wherein the base portion further comprises: a first plate coupled to atop surface of the frame in a first corner; a second plate coupled to atop surface of the frame in a second corner; a first wheel assemblycoupled to a bottom surface of the first plate; a second wheel assemblycoupled to a bottom surface of the second plate; a first rear wheelcoupled to the frame by a first axle; and a second rear wheel coupled tothe frame by a second axle.
 17. A method of installing a glass panel,comprising: obtaining an apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a baseportion, the base portion comprising: a frame, comprising: a first armcoupled to the frame near a first end of the frame; and a second armcoupled to the frame near the first end and spaced apart from the firstarm; a first bracket coupled to a top surface of a first support memberabove a first axle; a second bracket coupled to the top surface of thefirst support member above a second axle; and a counter weight secureddirectly to the first bracket at a first end and to the second bracketat a second end; a back support structure secured to the base portion,wherein the back support structure comprises: a base comprising: a bracemember secured to the first arm of the frame at a first end and to thesecond arm of the frame at a second end: a first support arm with afirst end and a second end, the first end of the first support armcoupled to a first end of the brace member; and a second support armwith a first end and a second end, the first end of the second supportarm coupled to a second end of the brace member; and a glass adjustmentsystem moveably coupled to the back support structure; positioning theapparatus adjacent to the glass panel for installation; coupling theglass adjustment system to the glass panel; raising the glass panel intothe air using the glass adjustment system; positioning the apparatus andattached glass panel for insertion into an ice rink board; inserting theglass panel into the ice rink board; and removing the glass adjustmentsystem from the glass panel.
 18. The method of claim 17, furthercomprising: titling the glass panel to an angle relative to the baseportion with the glass adjustment system.
 19. A method of removing aglass panel, comprising: obtaining an apparatus, the apparatuscomprising: a base portion, the base portion comprising: a frame,comprising: a first arm coupled to the frame near a first end of theframe; and a second arm coupled to the frame near the first end andspaced apart from the first arm; a first bracket coupled to a topsurface of a first support member above a first axle; a second bracketcoupled to the top surface of the first support member above a secondaxle; and a counter weight secured directly to the first bracket at afirst end and to the second bracket at a second end; a back supportstructure secured to the base portion, wherein the back supportstructure comprises: a base comprising: a brace member secured to thefirst arm of the frame at a first end and to the second arm of the frameat a second end: a first support arm with a first end and a second end,the first end of the first support arm coupled to a first end of thebrace member; and a second support arm with a first end and a secondend, the first end of the second support arm coupled to a second end ofthe brace member; and a glass adjustment system moveably coupled to theback support structure; positioning the apparatus adjacent to the glasspanel for removal; coupling the glass adjustment system to the glasspanel; raising the glass panel out of an ice rink board using the glassadjustment system; moving the apparatus and attached glass panel awayfrom the ice rink board; performing maintenance to at least one of theglass panel and the ice rink board; and reinserting the glass panel intothe ice rink board.